Thanks to sleuth commenter "sean," who pays far more attention to the Oilers spinsite than we do, we've discovered that the Oil have just signed Zack "Whoyoulookinat" Stortini to a three-year deal.

From the Oilers' site:

Oilers Vice-President of Hockey Operations Kevin Prendergast says, “Zack had a very productive season last year and we’re looking for him to build from that. He’s an intimidating presence on the ice and is establishing himself as an important part of our hockey club”.

No details on dollars and cents as yet, but I'm going to go hunting for some. In the meantime, tell us what you think. Stortini yay, or nay?

**UPDATE (3:09pm): I neglected to mention that Carl Corazzini, from the AHL's Grand Rapid Griffins, was signed to a one-year deal as well.

Bingofuel is the handsome cyborg who pulls all the levers behind the curtains of the OilersNation. When he isn't running the site, he's plugged into a wall socket, recharging. Or Brownlee and Wanye are playing "keep away" with him. He gets little to no respect.

Much as I hate to rain on anyone's parade, I don't think either Strudwick or Stortini will have the likes of Derek Boogaard shaking in his skates. If you're going to get a reputation as a sniper in the NHL, you need to score some goals. Similarly, for Stortini to be considered a legitimate tough-guy in the league, he's going to have to start winning some fights along the way, preferably more than he loses. Otherwise, I think we just signed a very expensive punching bag for other teams to take out their frustrations on. Maybe that's the idea . . . keep the other teams focussed on pummelling Zach rather than Ales?

I would agree with Ender. Boogaard, in addition to having an astounding number of double vowels in his name, would punch Stortini into sawdust if ever the two met and Boogaard got a square one in. That is no burn to Stortini, its just he isn't a Super Heavyweight.

However the multiple comments from Oilers coaching staff surrounding the lengths he goes to for preparedness, and his fitness level is reminiscent of a young Shawn Horcoff. Not to say he has the potential upside, but rather that he has the mega-drive to improve that successful pro athletes(not named Emery) have. Keep him around, provided it isn't at a high rate.

Boogard excepted -- and other than a small collection of other super-heavies who can actually engage him directly -- who are the other heavyweight fighters who can really impact a game?

Arguably, the pests and super-pests are: the ones who can annoy and can play. Avery, Carcillo, even Tootoo.

It might be hard on fan pride to see Stortini grapple to a draw and not swing and win. However, he successfully pestered the Ducks, Kings, and Flames in various games into losing their cool. If you can get Regehr off the ice for 5-15 minutes AND only lose Stortini in the process THAT makes a greater impact in a game.

I don't doubt the energy lift the bench gets when your guy win a fight, but really its more about preventing a runaround. And I think a combo of Stortini, Strudwick, Moreau, and Souray can be a decent response where it matters.

Nice! From what I saw last year, the guy drew a shitload of opposing penalties and was pretty decent as far as not making major mistakes - staying within his limits sorta thing. Whatever MacT told him to do, he did. Not to mention that he really improved as the season wore on.

Boogard, would you really want a guy who plays 2 minutes a game, usually not in the 3rd period? Seems to me that when McT finaly finaly freed him up to fight, teams showed the oilers more respect. Good signing for a useful fourth liner who can play some minutes.

Boogaard, in addition to having an astounding number of double vowels in his name, would punch Stortini into sawdust if ever the two met and Boogaard got a square one in. That is no burn to Stortini, its just he isn’t a Super Heavyweight.

Check this out:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O3QX6u9U4XE

and this:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UmBRkT_M3RA

Both times, Boogaard gets good shots in on Stortini. In the March 26 fight, Stortini got really ratle by that one shot, but got back on to his feet.

That man can take punishment- to the degree that he can survive repeated blows to the head from Derek Boogaard.

Good signing for the dough, this dude brings it every night. He will fight anyone, even when he knows he will be a punching bag. And, I agree, it isn't about beating up the Boogieman, it's about being able to intimidate and throw some big hits. And unlike big George, you don't have to bribe him to show up.

"Zach Attack!" It's just so much fun to say when he steps on the ice and gives it his 100% every time. He reminds me of Bucky.

Does anyone remember the time Bucky fought Bob Probert and Buchbergers neck looked like it was on a spring as punch after punch just kept coming at him and his head kept snapping back just in time for the next punch. In the interview after the game Bucky said "I hope I hurt his hand".